The 42-acre site, once targeted as the home of a new arena for the Phoenix Coyotes before the team opted for a Glendale location, has been mired in controversy ever since developer Steve Ellman, with Ellman Cos., purchased the property seven years ago.

Much of the debate centers on a taxpayer subsidy of up to $36 million offered to Ellman to turn the vacant McDowell and Scottsdale road property, located at what many consider to be the gateway to the city, into a thriving retail center. Under that plan, Ellman, would get 49% of all sales tax revenue generated by the multi-million dollar project and could get up to $183 million over the next 40 years.